Steve Palmer
Founder, Managing Partner & Chief Vision Officer of Indigo Road Hospitality Group
Best-selling author, podcast host, TEDx speaker, James Beard semifinalist, mental health advocate, and restaurateur Steve Palmer is a food & beverage industry leader with more than 40 years of experience.
As founder, managing partner, and chief vision officer of the award-winning Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG), Steve has played an integral part in growing the Charleston, SC-based hospitality company from one restaurant in 2009 to a portfolio of more than 30 restaurants and independent hotels throughout the country today. Attributing the company’s success to his loyal and dedicated team, Steve maintains the philosophy that great service starts with well-cared-for employees.
In 2016, he co-founded Ben’s Friends with close friend and fellow longtime industry veteran Mickey Bakst. Offering hope, fellowship, and a path forward to professionals who struggle with substance abuse and addiction, Ben’s Friends is Steve’s proudest accomplishment yet. Serving as an active member on several industry boards and annual fundraising events, Steve also lends his voice to influential events like TEDx Charleston and Charleston Wine + Food Festival, speaking about personal passions like building strong company cultures and addiction/recovery.
Areas of Expertise
- Paving the Road: How to Build a Thriving Brand Centered on Hospitality
- Culture as Currency: Building a Business Model for Success
- How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life
- Great Service Starts with Well-Cared-For Employees
- Grit & Grace: Navigating Stress with Resilience